Orbital announce split, Paul Hartnoll to release solo album as 8:58

The dance duo – who formed in 1989 – disbanded for the first time in 2004, before reforming in 2008.

“Orbital had stopped working properly. We had a great four years since getting back together in 2008, but it was time to move on,” Paul Hartnoll says in a statement.

Hartnoll will now go solo, parting with brother Phil for his upcoming album under the alias 8:58. The self-titled ‘8:58’ will now be released on February 16.

“I’ve always had a thing for clocks and for time as a powerful force – but also the way it oppresses you,” Hartnoll explains of the moniker choice. “It’s one of those things I keep coming back to. For me, 8:58 is a moment of choice. It’s almost 9 o’clock. Are you going to school? Are you going to this job you hate? Everybody faces that decision now and again. 8:58am is when you’ve got to make up your mind.”

The video for the title track ‘8:58’ is now streaming below, featuring a monologue from actor Cillian Murphy. Check that out now.